By April Garon

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Carsheika McNealy is growing a deeper understanding of agriculture this summer while interning at the Natchez Farmers Market.

The Alcorn State University junior has big goals for the future, and interning close to home is helping McNealy reach them.

She plans on applying to work at an agribusiness giant such as Monsanto or Cargill after graduation. But McNealy also said she sees herself one day working with lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

“I want to get farmers more money,” McNealy said. “The amount they make now is not fair.”

At her internship, McNealy is working with farmers on a smaller scale.

“I’ve met different farmers and done research on pricing,” McNealy said. “I’ve learned that small producers make more at the farmers market than at grocery stores.”

McNealy said she’s also learned the importance of communication skills and good customer service.

“Regardless of what you are in, customer service is key,” market organizer Helen Brooks said.

McNealy said everything she’s learning this summer deals directly with her major, agriculture economics.

Agriculture was a natural field to go into for McNealy, who grew up on a farm and has ridden horses since she was 3 years old.

“I like the outside and getting my hands dirty,” McNealy said.

She landed the internship through the agriculture department at Alcorn. McNealy said that each student is expected to intern in the department, and once a student is accepted at an internship, they are assigned a supervisor and receive grant money.

McNealy said this experience gave her better exposure to the field in which she hopes to pursue a career. She sees the importance of having an involved internship.

“If you don’t do hands-on work in your field, how would you know if you like it?” McNealy said.